World : Smart city in outer space will be reality soon, say experts

This is in preparation for human living on the surface of these planets, says European Space Agency expert

Building a smart city outside earth could be sooner than one imagined, according to an expert at European Space Agency (ESA).

In an interaction with students of Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday, Prof. Bernard Hanfenbach, head of the Strategic Planning Office, ESA, said that producing water and oxygen to breathe in the outer space by 2030 will be the biggest goals for space agencies. "The most important goals are the journey through which space agencies seek to produce drinking water and oxygen to breathe by 2030, to allow deeper research and deeper stages in the human discoveries of these hidden worlds."

Prof Hanfenbach was speaking at a workshop hosted by The Faculty of Natural and Health Sciences at Zayed University in collaboration with UAE Space Agency, which focused on Moon and Mars missions and the challenges faced from previous trips.

According to him, building a smart city outside earth could be sooner than one imagined. "This is in preparation for human living on the surface of these planets, and building a smart city on the surface of the moon."

Prof Bernard said the importance of involving people in the explorations in deep space and nearby planets, such as Mars and Moon, is key. Also on Wednesday, experts of NASA and Esa revealed some of the most important stages and steps adopted during their trips to outer space to the group of UAE students.

Prof Laurini Kathleen, senior advisor of Exploration and Space Operations at NASA, gave an overview of NASA space exploration programmes, which include Mars missions, and highlighted deep space gateway innovations, which will help in Mars future exploration.

She demonstrated the role of national labs, and their importance in deep space exploration and discussed ground systems development and operations.

"I am extremely pleased about the level of participation of female students from Zayed University and their interest in importance of space life and physical science research, which will contribute to the future space missions."

Dr Fares Howari, acting dean of the faculty of health at Zayed University, told Khaleej Times that building knowledge for students and growing their passion in science and space exploration, is key in UAE's future space missions.

"The main objective of today's event is to expose our students to experts coming and revealing future missions to Mars and exploration programmes for the Moon."

He said the university has ongoing programmes with the UAE Space Agency and active students who are currently working on their internship and research projects with the space agency. He noted that there are currently several space initiatives by the UAE, including The Hope Mission.

"One of the main objectives is to inspire students about science, technology and the love of exploration and expand their horizon."